Formula 1 bosses have decided to replace grid girls with children for the 2018 season.

F1 announced it would drop grid girls last week, a decision that generated mixed opinions among fans and even team members.

On Monday, F1 chiefs - in partnership with ruling body the FIA - announced the new 'Grid Kids' initiative.

Children will be chosen by local motorsport clubs on merit or by lottery, and they will accompany and stand alongside the drivers on the grid at every grand prix.

"This will be an extraordinary moment for these youngsters: imagine, standing beside their heroes, watch as they prepare to race, the elite of the elite in motorsport, to be there, alongside them in those precious few minutes just before the start," said F1 managing director Sean Bratches.

"What an unforgettable experience, for them, and their families. An inspiration to keep driving, training and learning so that they can dream of one day being there themselves.

"What better way to inspire the next generation of Formula 1 heroes."

'Grid kids' have already been used in Formula E, including at last weekend's Satiago round in Chile.

The grid kids, who will be accompanied by their immediate family, will be chosen at every F1 event and also Formula 2 and GP3 races where possible.

FIA president Jean Todt added: "Formula 1 is the pinnacle of motor sport and the dream of every young racer competing the junior series that make up the FIA's single-seater pyramid, from karting all the way to F1.

"We are therefore delighted to bring that dream a little closer by giving the future champions of our sport the opportunity to stand alongside their heroes on the grid in the build-up to the race start.

"For the wider FIA, this is an excellent initiative that provides additional support to our member ASNs in their efforts to grow motorsport worldwide through a unique reward they can make available to youngsters participating in their national series."

Poor choices undermine Alonso's F1 legacyFernando Alonso will not race in Formula 1 in 2019. The door might not be closed forever on his grand prix racing career, but, as he looks set never to hit the heights of 2005 and '06 again, what legacy has he left from 302 F1 starts?1534204800F1

Who is Fernando Alonso really?In this piece, first published in the August 20 2015 issue of Autosport magazine, we attempt to untangle the myths, legends and misconceptions surrounding Fernando Alonso, with input from on-track rivals, former team colleagues and the man himself1534204800F1

Why an F1 champion thinks FE is the futureAfter retiring from Formula 1 at the end of 2016, Nico Rosberg has no plans to return to racing, but he's put his own money where his mouth is by becoming an investor in Formula E - a series he truly believes in1534204800FE

'People overrate' Alonso - ScheckterOne-time Formula 1 world champion Jody Scheckter believes people have overrated Fernando Alonso and says his divisive nature is "not the way to win world championships"1534274533F1

Grosjean loss of form like Djokovic in tennisRomain Grosjean has compared his struggles during the 2018 Formula 1 season to 13-time tennis grand slam winner Novak Djokovic's run of poor form prior to his recent Wimbledon success1534251540F1

Williams: Tough to judge ’19 aero targetsThe overhaul of Formula 1's front wing rules for next season makes it tough for teams to judge aerodynamic targets for their 2019 cars, according to Williams chief Paddy Lowe1534243676F1

'People overrate' Alonso - ScheckterOne-time Formula 1 world champion Jody Scheckter believes people have overrated Fernando Alonso and says his divisive nature is "not the way to win world championships"1534274533F1

Grosjean loss of form like Djokovic in tennisRomain Grosjean has compared his struggles during the 2018 Formula 1 season to 13-time tennis grand slam winner Novak Djokovic's run of poor form prior to his recent Wimbledon success1534251540F1

Please note that unauthorised reproduction or translation of any content (including words, data, information, photos, videos and any other intellectual property) published on this page and any other copyrighted content published on Autosport.com is strictly prohibited. Please see our terms and conditions for further information.

Upgrade your experience.

Get even more of the motorsport you love with Autosport Plus.

Upgrade your experience. Get even more of the motorsport you love with Autosport Plus.